Despite snub, Chris Paul staying busy off the court during All-Star Weekend
This may be the first time in nine years that Chris Paul isn't an All-Star, but that doesn't mean the superstar point guard won't have a busy weekend down in New Orleans.
Paul, who suffered a hand injury in mid-January and was subsequently snubbed from the Western Conference All-Star roster, will spend the weekend giving back to the community where he began his NBA career.
On Saturday, Paul, along with State Farm and the Chris Paul Family Foundation, will unveil a new technology center at the New Orleans Dryades YMCA as part of the State Farm NBA Cares Assist Tracker program.
"A lot of times over the years, you see different people, different guys, whoever it may be, do endorsement deals where they just advertise their different products and that is what it is. But with State Farm, it's been a real partnership, talking about giving back. It's more than just the Chris and Cliff commercials. ... It's really about trying to get in and impact the neighborhoods and the community," Paul said in a phone interview with USA TODAY Sports on Friday.
GALLERY: CHRIS PAUL THROUGH THE YEARS
Paul was drafted fourth overall in 2005 by the New Orleans Hornets, less than two months before Hurricane Katrina. He spent the first six years of his career with the franchise before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in December 2011.
"Being in New Orleans, it's the city that sort of raised me and where I grew up," Paul said. "It's all about the story of coming back here and the importance of giving back and showing how to make a difference in your community."
On Saturday night, Paul will host a Facebook Live-streamed State Farm Neighborhood Sessions concert at the House of Blues. The concert will feature record producer/internet sensation DJ Khaled and bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jon Batiste.
"Man, it's gonna be nuts," Paul said. "First and foremost, anywhere Khaled goes is absolutely nuts. ... A lot of people don't know that Khaled is from New Orleans. (The concert is) basically a celebration of the community and a thank you to all the different volunteers that have been here in the different communities and here in the city of New Orleans. ... People need to understand that the most valuable thing that any of us have is our time. So if you can just give your time and your commitment and your voice to these kids and these different communities, it goes a long way."
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This weekend is just the latest series of off-the-court endeavors for Paul, who has been committed to serving the community throughout his career.
"I think a lot of times, people cut on the TV and they see me shoot a jump shot or they see a guy flying through the air dunking and they think they just woke up like that.," Paul said. "They don't realize the people that made it possible for you to get there, whether it be your family members, whether it be the coach at the local YMCA or an adult that was at the Boys & Girls club that mentored you and just helped shape and mold you. For me, that's been a huge priority, because basketball now is a platform. ... It gives you an opportunity to really give back and be a source for change."
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